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Why Chase Young will not play for the Detroit Lions

By Randy Glisson II

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Chase Young #DL45 of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Chase Young #DL45 of the Ohio State Buckeyes speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Some analysts have the Detroit Lions drafting Ohio State’s Chase Young with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. However, it’s not happening.

The Detroit Lions currently hold the third overall selection in this year’s edition of the NFL draft. That has many Lions fans excited about the prospects for being able to draft, arguably the best prospect in the annual selection event, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young.

But, not so fast. Let’s dig a little deeper and see why Young is unlikely to land in Detroit.

I think the first logical step is to look at the Lions’ current roster. In particular, we’ll focus on defensive end. Over the past few seasons, general manager Bob Quinn has invested a lot in the position.

Quinn drafted Alabama defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Similarly, the Lions drafted Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant in the fourth round again last year. And, of course, there’s the 2019 free-agent acquisition of defensive end Trey Flowers.

Rounding out the defensive end squad is veteran Romeo Okwara. Essentially, you already have four defensive ends on the roster. So why would the Lions want to add more?

If you’ve paid attention to head coach Matt Patricia’s defense during his first two seasons in Detroit, you have probably noticed the same things that I do. The pass rush is not an important part of the equation.

The bend but don’t break system, for lack of a better term, isn’t contingent on generating a ton of sacks. It’s more about not allowing big plays and allowing minimal gains with great tackling.

Certainly, the execution of said defense leaves a lot to be desired. Nonetheless, that’s the system Patricia, Quinn, and the front office are building toward.

Next. The Detroit Lions top 7 ‘buyer remorse’ first-round draft choices. dark

While Chase Young appears to be a magnificent athlete destined for NFL greatness, he will not be donning the Honolulu blue and silver anytime soon. And that’s due in part to the fact the Detroit Lions current regime doesn’t value pass rushers.

In addition, most mocks have Young going number two overall to the Washington Redskins. Expect the Lions to use their No. 3 pick to address the interior of the defense, get themselves secondary help, or even help along their offensive line.

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